Registration control apparatus



y 6, 1944. M. SOFEKIP; 2,348,862

REGISTRATiON CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Feb. 27, 1940 4 Shegts-Shet 1 v 5/ "L Q3 i if M l I 0/45 46% I 1 6 .95 a I T l /4-fl {fi l @533 d o 0 3 33*0 i 1 'i 1 46 0 I 46 M46 46 I 46 f d a F46 50W L TOLERANCE I V I I l 1 FIG. 2

INVENTOR I MORRIS SORKIN vZmWfi fikt A TTORNE Y ATTORNEY y 6, 1944. M. SORKIN REGISTRATION CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Feb. 27, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 MORRIS SORKIN mwfl/z May 16, 1944. M. SORKIN 2,348,862

REGISTRATION CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Feb. 27, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR MORRIS SORKIN A TTORNEY y 1944. M. SORKIN REGISTRATION CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Feb. 27, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIGS FIG?

' Patented May 16, 1944 REGISTRATION CONTROL APPARATUS Morris Sorkin, New York, N. Y., assignor, by mesne assignments, to The Fred Goat 00., Inc., Brooklyn, N. Y., a corporation or New York Application February 27, 1940, Serial No. 321,056

18 Claims.

This invention relates to high speed multiple operations on moving webs of sheet material, and particularly to an improved apparatus for automatically maintaining all of the multiple operations in register with one another.

In multicolor rotogravure printing, for example, each color is applied by a separate printing unit operating on a continuous web, and it is essential to maintain accurate registration between the various colors. If the printing operation is combined with a cutting operation, a in the printing of labels, it is likewise essential to have the printed matter properly positioned with respect to the lines of cut. Due to the speed at which the web travels, it ismot possible for the human eye to follow it for asuillcient length of time to check the registration. Accordingly, various suggestions have been made for indicating when the web is out of register, and for making any necessary corrections automatically.

Among the many suggestions that have been advanced, it has been proposed that register may be automatically corrected with apparatus including a photoelectric cell which is actuated in response to a target or other indicia applied to the web, and associated with a rotating switch or commutator that is adapted to make proper connections for automatically correcting register in either a forward or reverse direction. Such apparatus, due to the inherent limitations on accuracy caused by the mechanical selector switch, cannot be used satisfactorily for multicolor printing for register should usually be maintained within 0.005 inch.- Because of this, it was suggested that the required accuracy could be obtained by omitting the rotating switch and using a second photoelectric cell which was arranged to be actuated in response to the position of the printing'cylinder or other rotating element operating on the web. While this form of register control apparatus. Another important object of my invention is to provide a registration control apparatus which, when once set in operation, will accurately maintain register regardless of changes in web speed. Other and more specific objects are: To provide a registration control apparatus which will permit limitation of the portion of each revolution in which the circuit is responsive to impulses from the web, .and in which the space tolerance and synchronization of operating units may be adjusted while the press is in operation; and to provide photoelectric registration control circuits which may be operated from commercial power lines, are sensitive to printed targets of a wide range of colors, are independent of the amplitude of a rotating disc or hollow cylinder mounted on the shaft of one of the rotating operating elements and having therein two slots spaced circumferentially and laterally from one another, and two photoelectric cells which are so arranged 'with respect to the slots and a suitable source of illumination that they will be alternately illuminated by light passing through said slots during a portion of each revolution of the cylinder. One of the slots and its associated photoelectric cell predetermines the forward limit of tolerance of the position oi the engraved cylinder or other operating element while the other predeterof apparatus has been widely used and is entirely satisfactory in operation, it too has certain limi-,

provide an improved construction for indicatin when the web is out of register and automatically making any necessary corrections. which con struction will overcome all of the diiiiculties that mines the rearward limit of tolerance of the position or said engraved cylinder or operating element: and I have provided suitable circuit means, associated with all oi. the photoelectric cells, for indicating and automatically makin the desired or necessary correction in register when the impulse created by the photoelectric cell associated with the web is not properly paced intermediate the alternate illumination of the photoelectric cells associated with the rotating disc or hollow cylinder; that is, a correcthe target or mark on the web is not within the a desired forward and rearward limits of tolerance have been encountered in the prior known types 5 as predetermined by the other two photoelectric cylinder i6 and a printing cylinder l1.

cells. Thus, by my invention, the occurrence or non-occurrence of corrections of register depends upon a phase relationship, and will be entirely independent of the speed of the web.

The above and other features, objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of one practical embodiment of my invention and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view, largely diagrammatic, of a multi-color printing press in which my improved photoelectric registration control apparatus has been included;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of the web illustrating the principle of operation of my improved apparatus;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the three photoelectric cells and their associated electrical circuits and mechanical and optical equipment;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the web scanning head;

Fig. 5 is an end view of the photoelectric tolerance limit index associated with one of the rotating operating elements of the press;

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 66 of Fig. 5; and

Figs. '7 and 8 are detail sectional views taken substantially along the lines and 8-8, respectively, of Fig. 6.

In illustrating one form of my invention in the accompanying drawings, it has been shown applied to a multicolor rotogravure web printing press for controlling the register of the various colors applied by the respective printing units of the press. It will be understood, however, that the invention is not restricted in its use to such a multicolor printing press, but may be used gen-' erally in various types of printing presses and in other web operating units where it is necessary to maintain register in all of the operations.

Referring now to the drawings, it will be observed that a web of paper or other suitable material tov be printed I is fed from a suitable source of supply (not shown) over suitable guide rollers H, H to a first printing unit comprising an impression cylinder l2 and a printing cylinder 83. In this printing unit l2, I3 the web iii, on the underside thereof, as shown in Fig. 1, is printed with any desired markings. In addition to these markings, a suitable target or indicia, M is also printed on the web. The web then passes over guide rollers i5, i5, i through a second printing unit comprising an impression The guide rollers iii are positioned to provide a relatively long length of web'after the first printing unit so that the first printed color may have an opportunity to dry before passing over and in contact with a guide roller surface. For satisfactory multicolor printing, it is essential that the printed impression applied in the second printing unit l6, ll be in accurate registration with the printed impression applied by the first unit I2, l3. Thus, if through inaccuracies in feeding, shrinkage during drying or any other cause, the first printed impression does not arrive at the second printing unit l6, II in proper position to have the second impression'applied in proper position thereover, some means should be provided for altering or varying the relationship between the web and the printing cylinder II. This is accomplished in the construetion which I have illustrated in Fig. 1 through the driving means associated with the printing cylinder. The shafts of the-printing cylinders l3 and I! are connected through suitable gearing l8 and 20, respectively, with a drive shaft II which is rotated at the desired speed. The gearing 20 includes a helical or worm gear 22 which is slidably but not rotatably mounted on the shaft 2| and adapted to be moved in either direction along the shaft by means of a suitable collar or yoke 23 which in turn is actuated or moved in either direction by means of a screw 24 rotatably mounted in a suitable bracket 2| attached to the printing press in any convenient manner. In order to turn the screw shaft 24 and thus impart, through the mechanism just briefly described, a. forward or reversed increment of motion to the printing cylinder ll, said screw 24 may be connected through suitable gearing to a suitable reversible motor 21. In this. way the engraved printing cylinder I! may be moved to proper position with respect to the first printed impression on the web ID. This mechanism is shown and described more fully in W. F. Grupe Patent No. 2,163,035, dated June 20, 1939, and constitutes one desirable mechanical means of making the necessary adjustment when the web is out of register. However, ,adjustments in the relationship between the web and the operating element are also sometimes made by a movement of one of the guide rollers I5, and it will be apparent that the automatic features of my invention now to be described may also be used with such a construction.

Due to the fact that the web moves at a high rate of speed, it is not possible for the operator of the printing press to observe the condition of register of the printed impression. In order to indicate when the web is out of register and make any necessary correction, I have provided a web-scanning head for determining the position of the first applied impression upon the web ll by an observation of the position of the register mark [4; and have also provided a photoelectric apparatus for determining the position of the engraved printing cylinder'within the desired forward and rearward limits of tolerance. This mechanism, which will now be described in detail. is such that if the web-scanner determines that the register marks and the first printed impressions are within the desired limits of tolerance with respect to the impression which is to be applied by the second printing unit, no correction in register will be made or indicated. However, if the web scanner determines that the first applied impression is either advanced or retarded beyond the limitsof tolerance, a corresponding correction in register will be effected through the reversible motor 2Land the associated mechanism which has been described above.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 4, a scanning head II is arranged in any suitable manner above the second printing couple "I8, I 1 in a position to view the target or index mark ll applied to the web It prior to its passing to said printing unit I I, I1. This scanning head comprises a suitable base 3| having a housing or cover member 32 mounted thereon. A light source, in the form of a conventional incandescent lamp bulb 33 is mounted within the housing and arranged to direct a beam of light through a lens 34 and upon the wet III at the edge thereof and inline with the tarc i ll. Light reflected from the web I! is transmitted through a lens 35, a prism 38 and a slit or aperture 31 onto a photoelectric; cell or other In sensitive member 38, which is mounted upon I suitable support 38 secured to the base 3|. Th1

. paper.

lens is adapted to form an imageof the surface of the web on the plane of the slit or aperture 31 and therefore illuminate the photoelectric cell,

38 with a quantity of light proportional to the refiectanceof the web Ill. The light source 33, the lenses 34 and 35, the prism 36 and slit or aperture 31 thus constitute an optical system which is adapted to effect a change in the light falling upon the photoelectric cell 38 each time that the target |4 passes. An amplifier tube 40 may also be mounted in the housing 32 if desired.

In the ordinary operation of multicolor printing, the first color printed, for example, by the printing unit l2, l3 may be yellow; and since the reflectance value in white light of the color yellow does not difier a great deal from the ordinary white or cream colored paper, it is difiicult to effect a proper response to a yellow target on white paper with the ordinary scanning device of the general character.

This difilculty is increased by the fact that the ordinary photoelectric cell having a cesium surfaced cathode is not sensitive to light in the violet and blue spectral regions responsible for the contrast between the yellow target and white However I have discovered that this lack of sensitivity may be overcome by employing a photoelectric cell having a rubidium surfaced cathode in a lime glass bulb, such a photoelectric cell being predominantly sensitive to light of the violet and blue spectral regions. I have further increased the effective contrast between the yellow target and white paper by providing an optical filter 4|, in the path of the light from the source 33, which transmits predominantly light of the violet and blue spectralregions. In this way, when the yellow target |4 passes the scan accuracy, may comprise a cylindrical shell or member that is arranged to be rotated in timed relation with the printing cylinder. Two slots are provided in the surface of this cylindrical member; a first slot 46 for defining the forward limit of tolerance and a second slot 41 for defining'the' rearward or reverse limit of tolerance. A light source, in the form of a" conventional incandescent lamp bulb 48, may be suitably mounted inside the cylindrical member '45 and by means of suitable optical systems which will be described more fully below, may direct a -;beam of light through the first slot 46 upon a forward photoelectric cell or light sensitive element and through the second slot 41 upon a reverse or rearward photoelectric cell or light sensitive element 5| as the cylindrical member 45 rotates. It will thus be apparent that when said cylindrical member 45 is rotating in a counter-clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow inFig. 3, the

, photoelectric cell 50 will be energized during that ning held 38, it causes a distinct reduction'of the current flowing through the photoelectric cell and thus causes avoltage impulse in the ,input circuit of the electronic amplifier associated with the photoelectric cell and to be. described more fully hereinafter. This voltage impulse produced by the photoelectric cell will thus become an index of the position of the first applied impression I0 just prior to the passing of that portion of the web to the second printing unit l6, H.

In order to provide a corresponding index of the position of the engraved printing cylinder I! which may then be accurately electrically com pared with the position of the first applied impression indicated by the scanning'head 30, I have provided a secondary combined photoelectric and optical system which is illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 3 and will be referred to hereinafter as the tolerance limit index or detector. It is well understood in commercial multicolor printing thatperfect registration of the impressions need not be maintained at all times, but it is entirely satisfactory for most commercial work to maintain the register within predetermined limits depending upon the type of work being printed. These limits may vary from plus or minus 0.005 for so-called process work to plus or minus 0.033 for the printing of labels and the like. Thus, it will be apparent that the position of the impression to be made by the printing cylinder of the second printing cylinder mustbe maintained within a definite space of predetermined length depending upon the tolerance requirements for the particular printing being done.

As shown in Fig. 3, one form of tolerance index or limit detector for determining the forward and rearward limits of tolerance with the desired portion of the revolution in which the light beam may pass to it through the slot 46; there will then be a partial period of the revolution when the light from the source 48 does not reach either photocell; and finally the photoelectric cell 5| will be energized during that portion of the revolution in which the lightbeam may pass to it through slot 41. Thus, the partial period of rotation of the cylinder 45 between the energization of the photoelectric cells 50 and 5| determines the equivalent tolerance space on the web.

In Fig. 2, I have illustrated this photoelectric determination of the position of the first applied 46 and its associated photocell 50. It will be understood from this diagram that if the photocell 38 is actuated by the passing of the target H at ,a time when neither of the photocells 50 and 5| is actuated, this will determine that the first applied impressions are within the desired limits of tolerance and no correction in register will be required. However, at the righthand portion of the diagram I have shown a register mark |4a so positioned that the photocell 38 would be actuated at the same time as the photocell 50. This would indicate that the first applied impression is too far advanced and a forward correction in register should be efiected. Should the target be printed in the position indicated at |4b, the web photocell 38 would be actuated simultaneously with the rearward photocell 5| and would indicate that a rearward correction in register should be made. Thus, whether or not a correction in register should be made will depend upon the phase relationship between the actuation of the web photocell 38 and the illumination of the tolerance limit photocells 50 and 5| associated with the rotating cylindrical member 45.

I have provided improved electrical circuits and apparatus for the three photocells which have been referred to above. These circuits are arranged to indicate and effect the necessary On the upper side of the web, I

whenever the web photocell 38 and the rearward tolerance limit photocell 5| are simultaneously energized, a corresponding correction will be made and indicated.

Referring now to Fig; 3 in further detail, it will be observed that the web photocell 38 has its anode connected, through a resistance 55 and a conductor 56, to the positive side of a source of direct current; while the cathode of said web photocell 38 is connected to the same source of direct current through a conductor 51. Impulses from the web photocell 38, created by the passing of the target 14, are amplified by means of a suitable two stage amplifier 58 which is shown within the dot and dash lines in Fig. 3. These impulses are of such a character that the rise and fall in voltage are substantially instantaneous, and therefore no error would be introduced through changes in the amplitude 'of the impulse as long as the amplitude exceeds the minimum operating value. The amplifier 58, which is of such a character that when an impulse of a given polarity is passed to the input stage thereof an impulse suitably amplified and an exact replica will pass at the output side thereof, is of standard construction and need not therefore be described in detail. Thus, a conductor 59, having one end thereof connected between the resistance 55 and the anode of the photocell 38 and having a suitable condenser 60 interposed therein, connects said photocell with the grid of a suitable electric valve or vacuum tube 61 which constitutes the first stage of amplification of the two stage amplifier 58 and may be the part of amplifying equipment 40 included in the web scanning head. The anode of the valve 61 is coupled to the grid of a second electric valve or vacuum tube 62 which constitutes the second stage of amplification. The anode of the second valve 62 is arranged to pass the amplified pulse through a conductor 63, having a suitable condenser 64 therein, to a grid 65A of a first electric control valve 65 and a grid 68A of a second electric control valve 68. These valves 65 and 66 are preferably of the multigrid, hot cathode gas filled type known as thyratron tubes. The grids 65A and 66A are maintained suitably biased negatively by the provision of a conductor 61 having a resistance 68 therein and connected to the source of power at a point more negative than the conductor 51 through which the cathode of each of the valves 65 and 85 is connected by means of conductors II and 12, respectively.

It is the purpose of the first valve 65 to control the lighting of a forward indicator lamp 18 and the forward operation of the correcting motor 21, which I have shown in Fig. 3 as a single phase capacitor type connected to a suitable source of alternating current 13. Consequently, the anode of the first valve 65 is connected through a conductor 14 with a suitable relay or switching device 15 having a lower set of contacts 15A and an upper set of contacts 1513. Contacts 15A are connected to the forward indicator lamp 18 and one side of the motor 21 through a conductor 16 and switch 11A and to the source of alternating current through a conductor 11 so that, when the relay 15 is ener- 21 in a reverse direction gized with the switch 11A closed, the indicator lamp 10 will light and the motor 21 will be caused to rotate in a forward direction. However, if switch 11A is open when the relay 15 is energized, the lamp 10 alone will light and the motor will not operate. This is helpful in making the initial settings of the entire apparatus.

Similarly, it is the purpose of the second electric valve 88 to control'the lighting of a reverse indicator lamp 13 and the operation of the motor for effecting rearward corrections in register. Accordingly, the anode of the valve 66 is connected through a conductor '18 with a suitable relay or switching device 88 having a lower set of contacts-80A and an upper set of contacts 803. Lower contacts 88A are connected with the lamp 13 and the reverse side of the motor 21 by means of a conductor 8| and with the source of alternating current by means of a conductor 82, so that, when the relay 88 is energized with the switch 11A closed, the reverse indicator lamp 18 will light and the motor 21 will be caused to operate in a reverse direction for making a rearward correction in register. However, if switch 11A is open when the relay 80 is energized, the lamp 19 alone will light and the motor will not operate.

It will be noted that each of the relays 15 and 80 associated with the thyratron tubes 85 and 85 is connected to the positive side of the source of power by means of a conductor 83 and the normally closed contact 84A of a relay 84. Since the valves 65 and 66 are of the gas filled type, the flow of current from the anodes thereof will be continuous once it has started and can only be interrupted by a physical interruption of the anode circuit or by reducing the voltage of the anode substantially to zero with respect to the voltage of the cathode. Hence, the indicator lamps 10 and 19 and the motor 21 would normally continue to operate once energized by operation of either of the'relays 15 or 80, until the anode circuit of the associated valve 65 or 85, respectively, is physically interrupted, such as by an opening of the contact 84A. In order to control the length of time that the indicator lamps may remain lighted and the motor 21 may operate in either direction once a register correcting action has been initiated, I have provided an electric valve or vacuumv tube 85, such as a triode tube which will be hereinafter referred to, as the timing triode or valve, in the circuit with the relays 15 and The grid 85A of the timing valve is directly connected with the armature or movable member of the upper contacts 883 by means of a conductor 88 and is directly connected to the armature or movable member of the upper contact 153 by means of a conductor 81. When relay 15 is not energized, the armature for the contact 153 closes a circuit to the more negative side of the power supply through a conductor 88 having a variable resistor 80 therein. when, however, the relay 15 is energized, the contact 15 will be changed so as to close a circuit through a conductor-8| and variable resistor 82 connected to the positive side of the power supply. Similarly, when the. relay 88 is not energized, the armature associated with the upper contact 803 will be in an upper position so as to connect the grid 85A of the timing valve with the negative side of the power supply through a conductor 83 which is connected valve I02, across the resistor I00. The anode of lower position to close a circuit, through a conductor t and the variable resistor 92, to the more positive side of the power supply. The cathode of the timing valve 85 is connected to the negative side of the power supply by means of a conductor 95 having a resistance 98 therein and a suitable condenser 91 is placed across the grid-cathode circuit. The anode of the timing valve 85 is connected by a conductor 98 with the relay 84 and then to the positive side of the power supply. From the foregoing, it will beapparent that when either of the relays or 80 is energized due to the flow of current in the anode circuit of the associated valve 65 and 85, respectively, the voltage on the grid circuit of the-timing valve 85 will be made more positive with the result that the condenser 91 will be-charged; and after a predetermined time interval depending primarily upon the characteristics of the condenser 81 and the voltage applied thereto, the

' timing valve 85 will pass plate current from its anode through the conductor 98 and thereby cause the relay 84 to become energized. Energization of said relay 84 will cause the contact 84A to be opened and thereby break or interrupt the anode circuit for whichever of the valves 65 or 86 that has caused the operation.

It will be understood that the interruption of the anode circuit of the valve 65 or 88 that has caused the operation will allow the associated relay 15 or 80 to release and reconnect the grid 85A of the triode 85 to the more negative 'side of the power supply, thus discharging thecondenser 91. After a predetermined time interval, de-- pending upon the characteristics of the condenser 91 and the variable resistor 80, the relay 84 will release and reclose the anode.circuits oi the valves 65 and 56. During this predetermined time interval between the interruption and reclosing oi the anode circuits, it will be apparent the valve I02 is connected to the power supply through a conductor I03 containing a resistor I04, and is also directly connected through a conductor I05 to a second or shield grid 05B of the first valve 65. In the absence of light on the photoelectric cell 50 the grid to cathode voltage of the valve I02 is substantially zero and consequently anode current flows through theresistor I04 producing a voltage drop which through the conductor I05 impresses a-large negative voltage, with respect to the cathode, on the'shield grid 65B of the valve 85. When the photoelectric cell 50 is illuminated the voltage drop produced across the resistor I00 causes the anode current of the valve 65 to be cut off and the voltage impressed on the shield grid 65B becomes substantially zero.

Similarly, the anode of the rearward photocell 5I is connected to the more positive side of the power supply through a conductor I08, con- I08 is connected to the power supply through the conductor I03 containing the resistor |00A and is also directly connected through a conductor I093 to a second or shield grid 56B of a valve 55. In the absence of light on the photoelectric cell 5|, the grid to cathode voltage of the valve |u0 is substantially zero and consequently anode current flows through the resistor I09A, producing that the entire equipment is rendered inactive.

Thus, a time delay is introduced between an operation of the correcting mechanism and a subsequent operation in response to a condition of misregister. This time delay is particularly useful in eliminating hunting which would take place in an apparatus where the correction in the relative positions of the element and the web requires a time interval considerably in excess of that during which the correcting mechanism is actuated. This is particularly true in gravure printing presses because of the continuous pressure contact of the printing cylinder with the web.

As has been explained above, the electrical circuits associated'with the web photocell 38, the forward photocell and the reverse photocell 5| are such that the web photocell 38 and either of the tolerance limit photocells 50 or 5| must be simultaneously actuated in order to have a correction'in register take place. In other words, if the passing of the target I4 causes the web photocell 38 to be actuated within the limits of tolerance when neither the forward or reverse tolerance limit photocells is illuminated, no correction in register is necessary. Thus the-anode of the forward tolerance limit photocell 50 is connected to the more positive side of the power supply through a conductor 09 having a resistor I00 apparent that an impulse created by the passing a voltage drop, which through the conductor I093 impresses a large negative voltage with respect to the cathode on the shield grid 55B of the valve 56. When the photoelectric cell 5| is illuminated the voltage drop produced'across the resistor I01 causes the anode current of the valve I09 to be cut ofi and the voltage impressed on the shield grid 5613 becomes substantially zero.

Each of the valves 65 and 86 normally'has the grid circuits thereof biased sufliciently negative that they will not pass plate-current. Moreover, the construction and arrangement of these valves and 55 is such that when a positiveincrease in voltage is impressedon either-of the grids 65A or 65B or 65 A,or 8613, such as by the individual actuation of any one of the photocells 38, 50 or5l, no current will flow through the anode circuits of said valves so as to energize the associated relays and the motor 21. However, with a simultaneous actuation of the web photocell 38 and either the forward or reverse tolerance limit photocells 50 and 5|, the control and shield grid voltages of either the valve 65 or 68, whichever the case may be, will .be raised sutliciently to cause said valve to pass plate current. It will therefore be of the target In before the web photocell 38 at a time when there is no light on either of the tolerance limit photocells 50 or 5|, cannot cause either of the valves 65 or 55 to pass plate current because the shield grid bias is maintained in a negative condition. v

In order that the continuity of the description of the theory involved in my invention might not be interrupted, I have delayed until now the description of one practical embodiment of the rotating disc 45 and the associated tolerance limit photocells 50 and 5| in anormal printing press explained above,

determination of the position of the engraved printing cylinder together with the desired forward and rearward limits of tolerance. As shown in Fig. 1, the shaft of the printing cylinder I1 is provided with an extension I I of reduced diameter which extends outwardly from the gear 20 and projects into a housing III which may beattached in any convenient manner to the side framework of the printing press.

Referring now to Figs. 5, 6, '7 and 8, where the housing III and its associated mechanism are shown in detail, it will be seen that the housing III comprises a curved top portion H2 having side walls I I3, H3, formed integrally therewith and a back wall or portion II4. A front cover member H is removably secured to the side and top walls H3, I I3, I I2 in any convenient manner; and the inside of the housing is divided into an upper section H5 and a lower section II1 by means of a suitable partition H8. The lower section H1 may form a convenient housing for the electrical circuits and equipment shown particularly in Fig. 3 and described above, while the upper section I I5 forms the housing for the rotating cylindrical member 45.

Shaft I I0 extends into the housing III through a hub I20 provided in the rear wall H4, and is rotatably supported in suitable bearings I2I provided in the hub I20 and a suitable reinforcing member or support I22 which permits all operating parts to be removed through the front cover. A flanged disc I23 having a hub I24 is keyed or otherwise secured against rotation on the end of shaft I I0 and held in proper position by means of a set screw I25. The flanged portion of the disc I23 is of the same diameter as and forms a suitable support for the cylindrical member 45. Slot 45 for determining the forward limit of tolerance is shown in the upper surface of the cylindrical member 45 in Fig. 6, and slot 41, for

' defining the rearward limit of tolerance, is shown in the lower surface of said cylindrical member. The light source 48 is mounted in a suitable socket I25 which is secured to the end of a stub shaft I21 which is preferably aligned with shaft IIO so that the light source 48 will be centrally disposed with respect to the cylindrical member 45. Shaft I21'is rigidly supported in the center of a circular shaped flanged disc or dial member I20 having a hub I30 on the inside face thereof and a suitable knob or handle I3I on the outside face thereof so as to render the support for the stub shaft I21 substantially rigid. The peripheral flange I32 of the circular disc or dial I28 engages with a corresponding flange I33 provided on the "inner peripheral edge of a circular opening I34 in the front cover member H5. The disc I28 is maintained in proper position in the opening I34 by means of a retaining ring I35 which is secured to the front cover H5 by means of screws I35. This construction provides a suitable track or guideway in the front cover member II5 so that the disc I28 may be rotated therein by turning the knob I3 I.

Light from the source 48 is projected in a concentrated beam through the slot 45 by means of a suitable lens I31 mounted in a holder I38 which is supported by a suitable angular bracket I40 so shaped that the lens I31 is properly positioned between the source of light 48 and the slot 40.

Upon passing through the slot 45 the light has its 15 direction changed so that it passes toward the front of the housing. This is accomplished by means of a suitable prism I4 I carried by a bracket I42. The light beam then passes through a second lens IA and an opening I43 provided in the angular bracket I40, is reduced to suitable proportions and shape by a slit member I44 and directed upon the forward photocell 50. The photocell 50, the bracket I42, angular bracket I40 and slot member I44 are all supported by a horizontally disposed arm I45 provided on an upwardly projecting supporting bracket or arm I45 having a hub I41 by means of which it is rotatably secured upon the stub shaft I21.

. An identical optical system is provided for directing a concentrated beam of light from the source 48 through the slot 41. Thus, a lens I40 carried by an angular supporting bracket I50 directs the concentrated beam through the slot 41 upon a prism I5I which changes the direction of the beam 90 and projects it through a lens I5IA, an opening I52, slit member I53 and upon the photocell 5|. All of these parts are carried on a horizontally disposed arm I54 provided on a supporting bracket I55 extending downwardly from the stub shaft I21, as shown in Fig. 6. It will be understood that the lens I4IA forms a magnified optical image of the surface of the cylindrical member.45 in the plane of the slit member I44; and the lens I5IA forms an equally magnified optical image of the surface of the accuracy and sensitivity of the tolerance and cylinder position index.

In order to adjust the angular position of the photocells 50 and 5I and their associated optical systems with respect to the slots 45 and 41, respectively, so as to change the effective limits of tolerance, the supporting structures I45 and I55 for said photocells and optical systems are provided with downwardly projecting arms I55 and I51, respectively. The lower end of arm I55 is provided with a gear segment I53 (Figs. 5 and 6) which engages with a screw or worm I50 provided on a shaft I5I. This shaft is rotatably supported in a' suitable bracket I52 which is secured to the circular disc I20 by means of screws I53. Similarly, the lower end of the arm I51 is provided with a gear segment I54 which is actuated by a screw or worm I35 provided on a shaft I55 also rotatably supported in the bracket I52, as bes shown in Fig. 7.

ing the shafts IN and I55 in opposite directions so as to efiect a diverging or converging movement of the supporting structures I45 and I55. As shown in Fig. 7, a miter gear I51 is mounted on the end of shaft IN and registers with a corresponding miter gear I50 mounted on a small shaft I10. A miter gear "I is also mounted on the end of shaft I55 and engages with a cor responding miter gear I12 mounted on the end of. the shaft I10. Shaft I10 is rotatably supported at one end in a suitable bearing provided in a hub I13 formed integrally with the bracket I52 and at its other end in a suitable bearing extending through the disc I20. Outside the disc I20 said shaft I10 may be provided with a suitable actuating-knob or handle I14. It will be apparent that by turning the knob I14 in either direction, any desired adjusting movement may be given the supporting structures for the tolerance limit photocells 50 and 5|. Although the angular distance between the ends of the slots #6 and 41 is fixed, the relative position of the end of each slot with respect to the associated light beam and photocell may be suitably changed and adjusted by the above described mechanism. Such adjustments increase or decrease the tolerance limits.

I have also provided a mechanism for adjusting the position of both photocells 50 and and their associated optical equipment or system with respect to the cylindrical member 45 so that said photocells may be moved into proper position with respect to the position of the design on the printing cylinder. It is for this purpose that I have mounted the shaft I21 in the disc I28 which is rotatable with respect to the front cover II5 as described above. Large movements of the disc I28 may be made by turning the knob I3I. The disc I28 may be locked in its adjusted position by means of a screw I having the headed end thereof arranged to ride in a suitable keyway I18 provided in the disc I28 and having a locknut I11 threadedly engaging the outer end thereof.

Finer adjusting movements of the disc I28 may be efiected through a downwardly extending adjusting arm I18 suitably attached to the disc I28 and through which the screw I15 extends. This arm is similar to the arms I55 and I51 described above and is provided with a gear segment I88 at its lower end which engages with a screw or worm I8I provided on a shaft I82 rotatably mounted in a supporting bracket I83 secured in any convenient manner to the front cover member II5, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. A spur gear I84 is mounted on one end of the shaft I 82 and engages with a corresponding smaller gear I85 mounted on the end of a shaft I86 which is also rotatably supported in the bracket I83. Shaft 186 is provided with a knob or handle I81 so that it may be turned to effect the desired small adjusting movement of the disc I28. It will be understood that his through this chain of mechanism that the set screw I15, I11 effects a locking of the disc I28 with respect to the front cover member I I5.

From the foregoing description, it is believed that the mechanical and electrical features of my invention will be apparent and their opera-- tion will be readily understood. It will also be understood that I have provided a completely automatic mechanism for maintaining register in multiple operations on a moving web which may be easily adjusted for various conditions of operations and once set up for any desired limits of said web, comprising light sensitive means associated with said web for determining the position of a preconditioned portion of said web; light sensitive means for predetermining the forward and rearward limits of tolerance of the position of the preconditioned portion relative to the rotative position of said element; and

- means for varying the relationship between said of tolerance. will function accurately regardless of all changes in the speed of the press above the minimum operating speed. Moreover, due

to the construction of the cylindrical member 45 and its associated optical and electrical equipment, and the length and position of the slots 46 and 41 relative thereto, the circuits are active only during thatportion of each revolution of the printing cylinder between the beginning of the forward slot and the end of the rearward slot and therefore will not respond to any other design in the web except the desired preconditioned portion of the web, such as the target II. This thus provides an effective limitation of the portion of each revolution of the printing cylinder or other rotating operating element in which the circuit is responsive to impulses from the web.

Although I have described herein a preferred element and said web when the position of the preconditioned portion of the web is not within said limits of tolerance. j

2. Register control apparatus comprising the combination with an element operating on a strip; of light sensitive means associated with said strip for determining the position of a preconditioned'portion of said strip relative-to the rotative position of said element; light sensitive means for predetermining the forward and rearward limits of tolerance of the position of said preconditioned portion relative to the position of said element; and means for varying the relationship of said element and strip when the position of said preconditioned portion of the strip is not within said limits of tolerance.

3. Register control apparatus comprising the combination with an element operating on a strip, of light sensitive means associated with said strip for determining the position of a preconditioned portion of said strip relative to the rotative position of said element; light sensitive means for predetermim'ng the forward and rearward limits of tolerance of the position of said preconditioned portion relative to the position of said element; and means for varying the position of said element relative to said strip when the position of said preconditioned portion of the strip is not within said limits of tolerance.

4. Register control apparatus comprising the combination with an element operating on a strip, of light sensitive means associated with said strip for determining the position of a preconditioned portion of said strip relative to the rotative position of said element; light sensitive means for predetermining the forward and rearward limits of tolerance of the position of said preconditioned portion relative to the position of said element; and means for indicating that a correction in register is necessary when the position of 'said preconditioned portion of the strip is not within said limits of tolerance.

5, Register control apparatus comprising the combination with an element operating on a strip of material, of means for determining the position of a mark on the strip, light sensitive means associated with said element for predetermining the forward limit of tolerance of the rotative position of said element, light sensitive means associated with said element for predetermining the rearward limit of tolerance of the rotative position of said element, and means for varying the relationship between said strip'and element when the mark on the strip is not within said forward and rearward limits of tolerance.

6. Register control apparatus comprising the combination with an element operating on a strip of material, of means for determining the position of a mark on the strip, light sensitive means associated with said element for predetermining the forward limit of tolerance of the rotative position of said element, light sensitive means associated with said element for predetermining the rearward limit of tolerance of the rotative position of said element, and means for indicating that a correction in register is necessary when the mark on the strip is not within said forward and rearward limits of tolerance as determined by said light sensitive means.

7. Register control apparatus comprising the combination with an element operating on a strip of material, of light sensitive means controlled by the strip for producing an electrical impulse in accordance with the position of a mark on the strip, light sensitive means for producing an electrical impulse in accordance with the forward limit of tolerance of the position of said element, light sensitive means for producing an electrical impulse in accordance with the forward limit of tolerance of the position of said element, and means for producing a correction in the relationship between said element and strip when the electrical impulse produced by the strip occurs within the duration of either of the other impulses.

8. Register control apparatus comprising the combination with an element operating on a strip of material, of light sensitive means controlled by the strip for producing an electrical impulse in accordance with the position of a mark on the strip, light sensitive means for producing an electrical impulse in accordance with the forward limit of tolerance of the position of said element, and means for producing a correction in the relationship between said element and strip when the electrical impulse produced by the strip occurs within the duration of the other impulse.

9. Register control apparatus comprising the combination with an element operating on a strip of material, of lightsensitive means controlled by the strip for producing an electrical impulse in accordance with the position of a mark on the strip, light sensitive means for producing an impulse in accordance with the ward limit of tolerance of the position of said element, and means for varying the relationship between said strip and said element when the electrical impulse produced by the strip occurs within the duration of the other impulse.

10. Register control apparatus comprising the combination with an element operating on a strip of material, of light sensitive means controlled by the strip for producing an electrical impulse in accordance with the position of a mark on the strip, light sensitive means for producing an impulse in accordance with one limit of tolerance of the position of said element, and means for indicating that a correction in register is required when the electrical impulse produced by the strip occurs within the duration of the other impulse.

11. Register control apparatus comprising in combination, an element operating on a strip of material, light sensitive means actuated by the strip, light sensitive means actuated in accordance with one of the limits of tolerance of the position of said element, electric valve means responsive to the simultaneous actuation of said light sensitive means, and means controlled by said electric valve means for varying the relative positions of said strip and element.

12. Register control apparatus comprising in on a strip of 76 combination, an element operating position of the rearmaterial, light sensitive means act ated by the strip, light sensitive means actua d in accordance with one of the limits of tolerance of the position of said element, electric valve meaiis responsive to the simultaneous actuation of said light sensitive means, means controlled by said electric valve means for varying the relative positions of said strip and element, and additional valve means for rendering the first mentioned valve means inactive a predetermined time after the simultaneous actuation of said light sensitive means. v

13. Register control apparatus comprising in combination, an element operating on a strip of material, light sensitive means controlled by the.

strip for producing an electrical impulse in accordance with the position of a mark on the strip, light sensitive means for producing an electrical impulse in accordance with the forward limit of tolerance of the position of said element, light sensitive means for producing an electrical impulse in accordance with the rearward limit of tolerance of the position of said element, means for correcting the relative positions of said strip and element, a first electrical valve for controlling the operation of said correcting means in a forward direction, a second electrical valve for controlling the operation of said correcting means in a rearward direction, and circuit means associa'ted with said light sensitive'means and said electrical valves, the construction and arrangement of said valves and circuit means being such that said correcting means will only be actuated when the electrical impulse produced by the strip 14. In a register control apparatus for main- Y taining the operation of a rotating element on a traveling web in register with any prior operations on said web, a web scanning apparatus for producing an electrical impulse in accordance with the position of a mark on said web, comprising a light source, means for directing light from said source upon the surface of the web, means for modifying the spectral composition of the light, and light sensitive means for producing an impulse each time a mark on the web the light directed upon said web, said light sensitive means having such-a spectral response curve that therewill be a peaked response for light wave lengths from 400-500 millimicrons and substantially no response for light wave lengths above 550 millimicrons.

15. Register control apparatus comprising the combination with an element operating on a strip, of light sensitive means for determining the position of a pre-conditioned portion of said strip relative to the rotative position or said element;

light sensitive means associated with said element for predetermining the forward and rearward limits of tolerance of the position of said preconditioned portion relative to the position of said element; means for varying the relationship betion of a preconditioned portion of said web; 8

sensitive means for predetermining the forward and rearward limits of tolerance of the rotative position of said element relative to the position of the preconditioned portion of said web; and means for varying the relationship between said element and said web when the rotative position of said element is not within said limits of tolerance.

combination with an element operating ona strip of material, of means for determining the position of a mark on the strip, light sensitive means associated with said element for predetermining the forward limit of tolerance of the rotative position of said element, light sensitive means associated with said element for predetermining the rearward limit of tolerance of the rotative position of said element, and means for varying the relationship between said strip and element when the rotative position of said element is not within the forward and rearward limits of tolerance.

18. Register control apparatus for maintaining 17. Register control apparatus comprising the the operation of a rotating element on a traveling web in register with any prior conditioning of said web, comprising a first light sensitive means for determining the position of a. preconditioned portion of said web; a second light sensitive means for predetermining the forward and rearward limits of tolerance of the position 0! the preconditioned portion relative to the rotative position of said element, said second light sensitive means including a slotted member. associated with said rotating element and constructed and arranged so that said second light sensitive means is active only within a predetermined angle of revolution of said element as determined by said slotted member whereby any impulses produced by the first light sensitive means outside of said predetermined angle of revolution are ineffective; and means for varying the relationship between said element and said web when the position of 20 the preconditioned portion of the web is not within said limits of tolerance.

MORRIS scam. 

